List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1 | Monitor and direct work practices within functional area | 1.1 | Ensure that personnel follow all relevant procedures, regulations and standards |
| 1.2 | Confirm that all technical work is performed in accordance with relevant standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and schedules |
| 1.3 | Ensure that analytical results/data are checked, collated and distributed in accordance with workplace requirements |
| 1.4 | Monitor testing and sampling procedures for quality control in accordance with workplace requirements |
| 1.5 | Identify and resolve complex problems by using agreed problem-solving strategies and act to prevent their recurrence |
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2 | Manage personnel within work area | 2.1 | Develop and coordinate rosters to balance job requirements, laboratory efficiency and skill development opportunities |
| 2.2 | Empower work groups/teams in dealing with technical and workflow problems and suggesting improvements |
| 2.3 | Provide coaching and mentoring to support personnel who have difficulties with meeting targets for performance and/or resource usage |
| 2.4 | Establish and maintain effective communication with all personnel and clients to ensure smooth and efficient operations |
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3 | Establish resource requirements, operating plans and budget | 3.1 | Collect and analyse available resource information in consultation with appropriate personnel |
| 3.2 | Prepare operational plans which make the best use of available resources, taking into account client needs and workplace plans |
| 3.3 | Identify and analyse possible variances due to external/internal factors and prepare contingency plans |
| 3.4 | Collect and analyse information to develop/revise an operating budget for the work/functional area |
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4 | Procure resources to achieve operational plans | 4.1 | Analyse resource requirements and sources of supply in terms of suitability, cost, quality and availability |
| 4.2 | Select and purchase new materials and equipment in accordance with workplace procedures |
| 4.3 | Coordinate stocktaking of materials and equipment to ensure maintenance of stock at prescribed levels |
| 4.4 | Ensure that personnel are competent to perform required tasks and organise training if required |
| 4.5 | Arrange for the recruitment and induction of personnel as appropriate |
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5 | Monitor and optimise operational performance and resource usage | 5.1 | Monitor the relationship between budget and actual performance to foresee problems |
| 5.2 | Analyse variations in budget performance and either report or rectify abnormal/sub-optimal performance |
| 5.3 | Negotiate with designated personnel and seek approval for variations to operational plans as required |
| 5.4 | Assess utilisation of plant, equipment and consumables and compare with planned usage |
| 5.5 | Rectify sub-optimal utilisation of plant, equipment and consumables |
| 5.6 | Program and arrange for maintenance of plant and equipment in accordance with workplace maintenance schedules |
| 5.7 | Maintain systems, procedures and records associated with resource usage in accordance with workplace requirements |
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
supervising day-to-day laboratory operations of a work/functional area
ensuring that legislation, statutory and workplace requirements are met in work operations
collecting and analysing information to develop/revise operating plans and budget
achieving planned outcomes within agreed resource and budget parameters without compromising safety, quality and ethics
coordinating stocktakes, selecting and purchasing materials and equipment
programing and arranging for maintenance of plant and equipment
making decisions within limits of responsibility and authority
monitoring outputs, analysing processes and introducing ways to improve operations
solving a range of non-routine problems
motivating and mentoring personnel to improve performance.
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
laboratory services and/or products and customers in work/functional area
legislation, codes, standards and registration criteria relevant to the work area or function
business operational plans and key performance indicators (KPIs) for work/functional area
principles of budgeting, operational planning and efficient resource use
workplace industrial agreements and regulations dealing with hygiene, dress and behaviour of employees
standard operating procedures (SOPs) and the technical details of sampling, testing, equipment and instrumentation within the work area
problem-solving techniques and contingency planning
auditing procedures in work/functional area
team leadership, mentoring and coaching techniques
work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.
Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event. The assessment timeframe must allow for adequate assessment over a planning cycle.
This unit of competency must be assessed in a laboratory environment that meets Australian standards for working laboratories or is accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) or the Royal College of Pathology.
Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).
This unit of competency may be assessed with:
MSL916002 Manage and develop teams
MSL916004 Maintain registration and statutory or legal compliance in work or functional area
MSL946001 Implement and monitor WHS and environmental management systems
Holistic assessment methods include:
direct observation of the candidate's interactions with personnel
review of reports from the candidate’s subordinates, peers, managers and/or customers
review of reports, operational budgets and plans generated by the candidate
review of performance reports for the candidate's work area
review of documented examples of quality performance improvements achieved by the candidate and examples of significant problems solved
observation of simulations/role plays to assess situations which are critical but did not arise during the negotiated assessment period.
Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:
laboratory equipped with appropriate services, equipment, instruments and consumables
relevant workplace policies, procedures, operational reports, financial reports and stock records
technical manuals, SOPs and quality manuals.
Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
The assessor must demonstrate both technical competency and currency.
Technical competence can be demonstrated through:
relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR
relevant workplace experience
Currency can be demonstrated through:
performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR
having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.